There are various places in Old San Juan where you can enjoy a pizza. But if you’re like me, you pledge allegiance to one place, under god, indivisible, for cheapness and hunger for all. To me this place is Pizzicorre, located on Calle Luna #255, a friendly neighborhood pizzeria that serves great slices at amazing speed.

I decided to go and do some “hands-on investigating”. And the first thing that caught my eye was that the place is a little on the small side. Making take out orders the most convenient, unless the place has room, then by all means get a table and take in the relaxing retro style of the place. The tables are comfortable and the staff is very diligent, so your food usually only takes a couple of minutes to get ready. The design has a nice Grease meets Johnny Rockets vibe.

On my visit I ordered 2 slices (Peperoni and Hawaian) and a glass of beer (Corona). This rounded out to about 10$, with the slices and beers costing 3.50 each. The food took a good seven minutes to get to me and it was hot and still all gooey from the oven. The slices were slightly crispy but at the same time soft and firm, it had no burnt flavor and the toppings were very good. Although I will say that for a 3.50 slice of pizza I imagined slices like the ones pizza places give in New York, huge almost half moon slices. While that was not the case, the freshness made up for it.

Pizzicorre has a wide range of combinations to choose from, including: Vegetarian, and Greek pizza. (No idea what it is, but I plan to find out in a future visit). Also worth mentioning is that they have a very reliable delivery service and it’s free! So if you can’t make it then call 787-725-4025 and problem solved.

Hawaiian

All in all Pizzicorre serves the cheapest but greatest pizzas you can enjoy in the Old city, so bypass the fancy shmancy places with confidence, this is the place all the locals and residents go to. This is true San Juan pizza. Enjoy.

Tattooing is one of the great timeless art forms. Each civilization has had its own method and purpose behind the tattooing of their bodies. Some civilizations thought that carving the symbols of the gods in their skins would grant them a view into their wisdom and knowledge. Other had markings that defined them as warriors, and were designed to frighten and demoralize the enemy. Today peoples thoughts on tattoos are mixed at best. Some get them to symbolize special moments in their lives, while other like them simply because they look cool.

Today every city worth its salt has a good and reliable tattoo parlor. It’s as necessary as the 24 hour convenience store, and usually it’s way more clean! In Old San Juan we have Senzala Tattoo, and not only is it as clean as can be, it also houses excellent skin art.

Located on 354 San Francisco street, Senzala has a quaint entrance that you could miss if you’re not looking for it specifically. The residents are Eddie, Demian, Manolo, Hendrix and Angel. (Im sure there are more, but those are the ones I could see and recognize, sorry guys).These guys will tattoo and pierce you to you hearts content and leave you in good health.

So next time your in O.S.J. take some time out to visit your friendly neighborhood tattoo parlor and let your imagination soar (or sore, whatever the case may be). But if you already have something in your mind, like a design or a piercing idea, it might be best to give the guys a call and arange for a meeting, their number is 787-722-3676 .

If you’ve had your tattoo done at Senzala then send us pictures and we’ll be glad to post them up.

*pics taken from Senzala’s webpage: www.senzalatattoo.com

EDIT: Found this right after writing the previous post.

While searching the net for information about the Senzala article, I came across a very cool tattoo of our very own El Morro castle.

This picture is from Johnny Berrios, a tattoo artist from Easthampton Massachusetts, who im sure is Puerto Rican or at least latino (his last name is Berrios, so yeah thats kind of a given!). Aside from the iconic fort, he also has a sleeve tattoo of Roberto Clemente which you NEED to check out! Drop by his site www.johnnyberrios.com and comment on the awesome art he displays on it.

If you have a tattoo with an image of Old San Juan, like “La Garita del Diablo” or something of the sort, send us a picture of it ,and well do a write up for it!

Here we have one of the coolest bars  in Calle del Cristo on Old San Juan, sporting its new Electronic/Industrial club redesign. Don Pablo has become one of the most stand out bars in the zone by always keeping the party into the late hours and always having thumping music on deck. And I’m sure that the huge drink size and their comfortable prices also have something to do with its success.

I’m sure that they get straighter as you get drunker

The nightclub ambiance is ever present, even though it might look like its just a bar. The place is spacious, with room to sit and places to rest drinks all over, so if you’re dancing, your drink wont end up on the floor. And when you’re tired lounge it up till you can get back up again.

The bartender didn’t want to be in the pictures, so I got her in the shadows

The place looks amazing, serves great big drinks, has a cute and able bartender in the back, and packs in the people as the night goes on…what more could you want?

Look at those big cups..of drinks.

So go and party the night away and then comeback and tell us what you think! Cheers!

]]> http://www.livesanjuan.com/night-life/the-neon-glow-of-the-electric-night-don-pablo-redesigned/feed/ 0 http://www.livesanjuan.com/activities-and-events/old-san-juan-beer-hopin/ http://www.livesanjuan.com/activities-and-events/old-san-juan-beer-hopin/#comments Tue, 21 Jul 2009 01:45:52 +0000 pablo http://www.livesanjuan.com/uncategorized/old-san-juan-beer-fest/ This is my first post for livesanjuan.com, I’ve wanted to write before but it’s complicated when the kids are on vacation and free all the time. Many thanks to the other writers, who have kept this blog up, I really like what they’re doing and it’s their efforts that have really pushed me to start writing.
I’m not a professional writer so I’m just going to write the way I talk and do it as fast as I can. I’ll keep posting about things I enjoy doing, music worth listening to, as well as events, places, and websites, not to mention everything I have going on at my own locales.

First of all we’ve been selling craft beers in Candela for a while now and have met a few people that like going out and tasting as many different types of beers as they can in one night.

One of the clients we met the other night came up with the idea of doing an official sort of thing where you could come up and taste different beers at different spots in the Old City, so we decided to do it this Saturday the 25th of July since a lot of people are leaving the island and we’re going to be staying right here. We’re trying to make this Beer Hopping an event for our friends that are sticking around. We also think it’s a good idea to keep it small this first time around so we can beta test and work out the kinks for the next time we do it. If you’re reading this consider yourself a friend. You’re very welcome to join us.

Since we have a lot of friends with kids we decided to do it this Saturday at 8pm starting out in Don Pablo where we will have some samples for $10. That way people can taste and comment on the different kinds of beers. We will start with very light beers which are a great starter.

Sometime between 9:30 and 10 pm we’ll head up Cristo Street to Bodega Chic where we’ll have a few different beers with a sample of food, mainly appetizers, designed by Chef Brahim so the people can keep drinking and tasting some quality beer and food. Hecho en Casa

At 11:30 sharp we will hop over to Candela on San Sebastian street where we have the biggest selection of beers (more than 30 different brands) I’ll start djing at midnight in the back so you can taste some more and start familiarizing yourself with our music and selection. Believe me we’re going to have a lot of fun. So try to be there with us. Feel free to post ideas and ask any question in the comments we look thourgh them all the time. If you’ve been beer hopping before and have some tips , please let us know.

We’re waiting for a shipment of the last brands we’ll have available, once they’re here I’ll be making a few recommendations before Saturday so you know what to look out for. Stay tuned for some info on the beers, music, food and websites to visit.

Through the electronic grape vine that is the Internet I received information that this weekend of July 18 and 19, The National Park services are offering free tours in Castle San Cristobal and El Morro Fort!

Come one, come all! The tours are different for each site, the San Cristobal tour features a Tunnel Tour starting at 10:30 am, Out works walk at 2:30 pm and informational talks every hour on the hour. While the El Morro tours feature Outwork walks all day and informational talks also on the hour.

If you cant make it this weekend then don’t fret! There will be another free weekend on August 15 and 16,2009!

I strongly recommend the tunnel tour of San Cristobal to everybody, it’s an interesting experience that gives you a glimpse of what made these Forts so strong and how they relate to the entire city of Old San Juan. It also makes you think about what lies beneath your feet everywhere!

]]> http://www.livesanjuan.com/tourism/free-tour-weekends/feed/ 0 http://www.livesanjuan.com/featured/rums-in-old-san-juan/ http://www.livesanjuan.com/featured/rums-in-old-san-juan/#comments Fri, 17 Jul 2009 02:26:20 +0000 Toxic_Lunch http://www.livesanjuan.com/?p=309 Oak barrels aging the rum

The worlds best rums are made in Puerto Rico. Some people would like to argue with that. Specially if they are from any of our neighboring Caribbean islands. But sadly for them, they are not the one writing this blog…sooo Puerto Rico’s rums are the best. Period.

This is going to be an anecdote about trying to find a good rum, in Old San Juan. Not that it’s hard to find, or there’s a drought going on. With all the bars in this small city, I’m amazed they can all stay in business! I guess it’s a testament to their quality and our genetic love for sweet, sweet alcohol. And that is the problem. There are so many good bars that serve the same kinds of rum, that finding something original can not only take a big deal of time, but also make you feel like you have discovered a new continent.

The blending tank

About two years ago, I was wondering aimlessly through OSJ, when I had a revelation: I found an extra 20$ in my pants! So I started thinking about getting a drink to battle the heat, and something strange happened…my cravings were not for beer. I felt like I needed a strong drink. To hell with cooling down, let me enjoy the heat!

I happened to walk past Don Collins in Cristo street, where a friend of mine was working at the time. I saw him and we struck up a conversation. I wanted to know if he could recommend me a good rum bar near the area. He looked at me and almost slapped my head. “Are you kidding me? Your going to spend money in a bar for a rum you can buy in a supermarket?” I was speechless. My first thought was to kick his butt for scolding me in public. But just when I was about to, he put an arm on my shoulder and directed me inside Don Collins.

The Masterpiece

“You will not find this rum in these bars, very few have it.”- he said as he pulled open a fine wooden shelf and handed me a shot glass.

From the shelf he pulled out a slim bottle of brown liquor, as he opened it the aroma from inside escaped and filled my nostrils. The scent of oak overpowered my senses, I instantly knew it was rum. My first instinct was to down the shotglass, and as I readied my arm my friend stopped me. “This is a sipping rum dude, don’t shoot it, enjoy it.”

So I did just that. I took a small sip and was instantly blown away, the taste was powerful yet smooth. I could see why this rum was in a smoke shop, it’s the perfect companion to a cigar, and actually helps improve the taste of the tobacco. I even saw some patrons in the store dipping the tips of their cigars in the rum. “We have regulars that come just to get the rum, but they take a few cigars with them, because temptation is just too great.”

He was right. Temptation was too great. So I spent my  20$ in a bottle of Barrilito, and I spent the rest of the day lounging in my house trying to remember where those twenty dollars came from.

*all pictures taken from http://www.refinedvices.com/ron-del-barrilito-tour

1- Medical Emergencies: On San Francisco street, in front of the Plaza de Armas you will find two drugstores stocked with every essential item for minor scrapes, bruises, as well as emergency medicine runs. One o them is a major chain store, while the other is a local pharmacy. If I would recommend one I would say to go to the local one, (more inexpensive), but if you have your prescriptions on the more famous one, that’s the one you will need.

2- Security emergencies: For all the police related problems that happen in Old San Juan, you will need to head to the Puerta de Tierra Police Headquarters. If you’re in a car accident, lose your possessions, or are accosted, this is the place you need to go to make an official complaint. Old San Juan is always crawling with police officers so if something were to go down, you will usually find one near to your location. The Headquartes is located on Fernandez Juncos Avenue in Puerta de Tierra, near the fire department and the McDonalds.

3-Transportation emergencies: Nobody is going to get mad at you if you miss your bus back to your hotel because you were too busy finding the perfect souvenir. (Well maybe your wife/husband.) So for those: “I have to get out of here quick”- emergencies, you need to head to the corner of Tetuan street and Fortaleza street. There you will find a brigade of Taxi’s ready to take you wherever your lodging might be. These cabbies can be found round the clock, into the late hours of the night looking for fares. I would recommend care in selecting the taxi, they can be very competitive with each other and they are not afraid to fight for a fare! Don’t let this scare you, it just means that you will always be able to find the ride you need….or let go in the first place. Cabs painted white are part of the Tourist taxi program and have set fares for most routes, check ‘em out here on their website http://www.cabspr.com

As always be sure to practice safety at all hours! Old San Juan might not be as big as New York City but the same rules of security apply: mind the traffic, be courteous, don’t walk alone late at night, and if you have doubts as to your current surroundings go into a business and ask.

Know any other places where you can find help on the OSJ? Sound off in the comments below!

Candela

When there are so many bars and taverns in one place as Old San Juan, standing out becomes the primary goal of any bar owner who wishes to stay on top of the game. The most important part of any tavern is the bar: the oasis that must service the patrons. Nobody wants to drink in an Oasis where the water is dark and murky or where the surrounding vegetation is decayed and ugly.

How it looks is usually the first clue as to how it will taste. The same principle is applied to the bars of any establishment. Nobody wants to drink in an uncomfortable, decayed bar where the licor seems to have been standing in the same place for the last decade. This is where we come in, the quality brigade, we’ll show you what we consider to be the best Oasis in OSJ and its up to you to go and drink!

First oasis we shall stop in is Candela, located on San Sebastian street in Old San Juan. A lounge bar, the place is famous for its continuous hosting of live music and its 20$ jars of the mix drink of your choice. The live music is usually of the Jazz, electronic, trip-hop, and latin percussion varieties, and always has a DJ at hand just in case.

Staring into the oasis

The place has no dress code, but it is usually inhabited by the trendy and fashionista crowd, so expect some looks from them if you are a jeans and t-shirt man like me. But it does not matter, the place is so roomy and comfortable that you will find your happy place and forget about everyone around you. As a matter of fact, the other people will be the last thing you will focus your attention on, seeing as how the Post Modern decor of the place will draw your attention most of the night. It reminded me of the Korova Milk bar in Stanley Kubrick’s: A Clockwork Orange.

The bar has a soft neon lighting, with a contrast that benefits the Post Modern art deco. A perfect place to bring a date or to just lounge afterhours with friends to share thoughts and the night. Here are some more shots Candela: enjoy and cheers!

Post Modern

The view after a couple of beers

* Photos by Toxic Lunch

I am of the belief that food should be appreciated for the work it is. Not to be over expected and not to be overcharged. Of course eating is always a multi-sensory experience, and there is nothing wrong in wanting to taste and experience the greatest flavors this earth can conjure. But believe me, most of them are not to be found on restaurants. Nothing against them, the best experiences money can by can usually be found at a GOOD restaurant. Fancy or not, good is good, and great is always great. My point is that no restaurant can ever replace the feel and taste of a home cooked meal, your grandmother’s cooking, your dad/grandfather’s bbq, your uncle’s pasta or whatever.

The best restaurant in the world can only hope to emulate the indigenous cooking of another country’s traditional kitchen, but it can never surpass it.

Aguaviva

To me the most important aspect of Old San Juan is without a doubt the world class  food and drink choices that are readily available. Walking down  Recinto Sur street will show you culinary choices from Japan, Puerto Rico, Greece, Italy, and Spain, all literally steps from each other. On Fortaleza street, and the surrounding you can find some of the most famous hang outs in the metropolitan area, the OOF! family of restaurants.

Combining and rethinking the way we think about creative cuisine, OOF! runs the tightest restaurants in Old San Juan, like Dragonfly and Aguaviva, two very different kitchens that have become synonymous with Old San Juan. All of their restaurants deal in more than just intricate foods, they also deal an experience. Their goal is for their guests to live and experience the food and the ambiance, to take them to a very special place where their food is their paint brush and the palate is their canvas.

Dragonfly

These restaurants are the eternal hot-spots in Old San Juan! But they are just the tip of the iceberg. The OOF! family is among many other restaurants that make up the culinary fabric of OSJ. So we shall review and inform you of all the newest happenings from all of these kitchens. Stay hungry!

“You can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave”

Ladies and gentlemen gather around, gather round and hear the voices from those who have disappeared! Vanished! Into the night. Nothing but their clothes and close items were found, and then their voices called from beyond! You stand near, from where the devils hand, was said to appear, to snatch foolish soldiers who dared venture the dark. Welcome to the Castle San Cristobal, and welcome to The Devil’s Guerite!

Actually its not that freaky, its more like a natural occurrence caused by the sudden collision of two bodies. I’m talking about the supposed “voices” that can be heard on the Devils Guerite. But I am getting ahead of myself, lets go back  to the beginning.

The Spaniards began construction of Castle San Cristobal on 1765, and completed by 1783. The decision to construct another major fort in San Juan, came after the Dutch were able to take the city by attacking from  land side, on the year 1625. Initially the castle was a small post for look out and armed guards, and was later expanded.

And that, my precious reader, brings us to the soldiers who worked and lived in the Castle. When the night shift came, the darkest corner of the castle held a guarite that all sentinels hated to stand guard in. Maybe it was because the darkness, or because they all felt like they could hear voices in the vicinity, only to find themselves alone above the sea.

One night, their worst fears came to life. A young sentinel by the name Sánchez, stopped responding to his fellow soldiers alerts of guard. As soon as the sun rose above the horizon, the soldiers went to Sánchez’s post expecting to find him asleep during watch. They found his musket, his armor and his item bag, all inside the guerite. Sánchez was nowhere to be found. He disappeared without a trace.

“I hear the voices”

The soldiers who found his belongings said to their superior officer that: “it was as if the devil himself snatched him away.” Those same soldiers named the place their fallen comrade was last seen as: “The Devil’s Guarite.” The voices that they once only thought  they heard, became the clear voices of the damned.

I bet you are wondering what really happened to that lone sentinel Sánchez. Well several years after the legend of the devil’s guarite had spread around the city and settlements, Sánchez was found in a settlement on Luquillo’s Forrest. Apparently it was his love Diana, and not the devil, that snatched away the soldier from his post. He wanted to forget the wars and the military life, and settle down with his Diana to have a family and live a normal life. And the voices? Nothing but the sound of the wind coursing through the narrow walls of the fort. A sonic illusion.

But who knows? Dead men tell no tales.